| In the past, Costa Rica was a hidden jewel. | | | | 4. Gardens - Most notable are The Butterfly Farm |
| Today, it's no longer a secret and thousands of | | | | in La Guacima de Alajuela, the Monteverde |
| travelers a year flock to this luscious paradise to | | | | Butterfly Garden and La Paz Butterfly |
| escape the day-to-day worries of their chaotic | | | | Observatory. The latter is the country's largest |
| worlds. Below are the top 7 important reasons to | | | | butterfly garden with over twenty species of |
| travel to Costa Rica: | | | | butterflies soaring freely in a natural habitat the |
| 1. Beaches - Over 50 white and black sand | | | | size of an American football field. |
| beaches. Visitors can bask in the sun or seek | | | | 5. Volcanoes - Only five out of more than 200 |
| refuge under the shade of beach almond trees. | | | | volcanic formations are considered active: Arenal, |
| The waters are warm year-round, perfect for | | | | Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, Irazu, and Turrialba. |
| swimmers and surfers. Cozy restaurants and bars | | | | There are many hiking tours offered for the |
| are nearby so travelers can enjoy a fresh | | | | adventurer interested in travel to Costa Rica. |
| beverage or meal any time. | | | | 6. Wildlife Refuges - There are over 55 in Costa |
| 2. Parks/Reserves - Costa Rica is home to 26 | | | | Rica and travelers are treated to sights such as |
| national parks which safely harbor over 75% of | | | | Olive Ridley sea turtles, two and three-toed |
| the country's flora and fauna. Some of the most | | | | sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, |
| visited national parks are Manuel Antonio, Arenal | | | | wild pigs, ospreys, herons, and kingfishers. |
| Volcano and Braulio Carrillo. Their natural beauty | | | | 7. Cultural Attractions - One of the most popular |
| will tempt any nature lover to travel to Costa | | | | is the National Theater which was modeled after |
| Rica. | | | | the art deco style of Paris' Opera House. It's |
| 3. Museums - Gold Museum is home to the most | | | | decorated with Belgian ironwork, Baroque and |
| valuable collection of pre-Columbian gold in the | | | | Italian renaissance flourishes and 22.5 karat gold |
| world; exhibits include 2,600 gold artifacts, plus a | | | | leaf. |
| collection of rare coins and bills. The Entomological | | | | Interested yet? I thought so! Call your travel |
| Museum of University of Costa Rica, where | | | | agent today so you too can be one of the lucky |
| visitors can examine more than a million | | | | people to travel to Costa Rica and discover its |
| specimens of butterflies and other insects. | | | | natural treasures. |